Poland selects aircraft to hunt down drones
Photo: Russian drone (Getty Images)
The Polish Air Force continues to look for ways to strengthen its air power and is showing interest in light attack aircraft capable of effectively countering enemy drones, according to Defense Express.
Despite having F-35, F-16, and FA-50 aircraft in its arsenal, Warsaw has begun considering the purchase of Brazil’s A-29 Super Tucano.
A Polish Air Force delegation led by Deputy Commander Ireniusz Nowak visited Embraer’s facilities, familiarized itself with aircraft production, and conducted familiarization flights on the KC-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano.
The interest in the Super Tucano was not accidental. Embraer is promoting the light attack aircraft as an effective tool to counter Shahed-type drones and is marketing a similar version in the US.
Poland's experience with drones
The Polish Air Force has already faced drone threats. In September 2025, the country dealt with attempts by Russian Gerbera drones to enter its airspace, highlighting the high cost and complexity of destroying long-range UAVs.
Earlier, Warsaw considered using light aircraft, such as a modified PZL-104 Wilga Draco, for counter-drone defense, but the project was not expected to be implemented before 2028.
European experience and logistics
An additional argument in favor of the Super Tucano is its delivery to Portugal, which became the first European operator of a NATO-standard version.
This allows the Polish Air Force to rely on allied experience rather than being a pioneer, as was the case with the FA-50. Delays in FA-50PL deliveries and problems integrating US missiles have further increased Warsaw’s interest in alternative solutions.
KC-390 priority
For now, however, Poland’s main focus remains on the KC-390 military transport aircraft, which is expected to arrive soon for demonstration tests involving the transport of military equipment. For Embraer, this could lead to a contract for ten aircraft.
A Czech company, together with volunteers, is supplying Ukraine with fiber-optic FPV drones developed using technologies taken from captured Russian UAVs.
In addition, the French company EOS Technologie has delivered Rodeur 330 strike drones to Ukraine with a range of up to 500 km. Company president Jean-Marc Zuliani noted that this offers Western manufacturers a unique opportunity to test drones in real combat conditions. In June 2025, Ukrainian forces also received the new MV-25 OSKA loitering munition, developed with the participation of EOS Technologie.
